James Morrison will be the first big western pop act to grace the stage at Dubai Opera, when the soulful singer-songwriter performs there on October 7.
Morrison is one of the “household names” from the rock and pop worlds that chief executive Jasper Hope was alluding to when he unveiled the historic concert venue’s opening programme back in April. Back then he signalled the star could be the first of many familiar faces to pass through.
Next year will also see external promoters invited in to host events, with a number of big jazz and classical crossovers names already circulating the rumour mill.
Morrison paved a runaway success with his 2006 debut album, Undiscovered which, driven by singalong You Give Me Something, clocked five-times platinum sales and saw the singer crowned Best British Male at the 2007 Brit Awards. His biggest hits include I Won't Let You Go and Broken Strings, featuring Nelly Furtado. His recent fourth album, Higher Than Here, peaked at number seven in the UK album charts last year.
Morrison last visited the emirates to perform at the Dubai Jazz Festival in 2012.
“[Morrison’s] music speaks to a wide range of nationalities and cultures and his inclusion in our inaugural season is a notable addition to the quality and range of outstanding performances being presented,” Hope says.
Tickets for Morrison's concert are expected to go on sale some time after the Eid al-Adha break, but fans are invited to sign up at www.dubaiopera.com for the latest details.
rgarratt@thenational.ae
